Holistic Self Care for Young Women when caring for family with mental illness
Problem:
Caring for a family member who has a mental illness can be a deeply confusing and upsetting time. When a close family member or friend is hospitalised or diagnosed with a severe mental health problem, it can trigger a crisis in a family and feelings of unbearable anxiety, sleep problems and sense of loss. This may bring up a lot of uncertainty and impact the enjoyment of life and daily routines.
If you are feeling an overwhelming sense of responsibility or stress take the time to talk to an experienced counsellor.
What to do?
It is important to firstly have the courage to ask for support and know that you are not alone. Your usual ports of call may not be enough for your needs, and you may seek a professional counselling space that is private, supportive and non-judgemental to process your thoughts and feelings. If it is your first time trying counselling or therapy, it may take a few times to find someone you really connect with and feel heard & understood. So do not give up! Sometimes a family crisis can represent a deeper crisis inside that needs space and time to explore and unfold.
Top Tips:
Remember you do not need to be alone in pain, confusion and suffering. Find support to talk about the journey and your burdens
You may be facing your own and others stigma associated with a mental illness diagnosis. Remember that this is a health issue like any other and it can help to get more knowledge by attending a Mental Health First Aid course.
See this crisis as a healing journey with a reason and find your way to your own personal meaning
If your loved one is experiencing psychosis or change of character, learn to listen with empathy, understanding and support rather than challenging their belief system.
Be empowered with information about the mental health system, such as a peer support mentor (someone with lived experience of mental health) or the mental health team social worker.
Before your loved one is being discharged from hospital, make a family meeting with the mental health team to talk about Relapse Prevention and Planning, and ensure you have a clear plan in place.
Find ways to continue your own personal gratitude practice such as listening to gratitude meditations or writing about five small things you can be grateful for daily.
Supercharge your self care to prevent burn out and support your nervous system. Start your own morning practice of meditation, yoga, qi gong, stretching, dance or movement (walks).
Have fun! What lights you up? It is ok to still do things that are fun and not feel guilty.
Write and reflect about your own physical and emotional boundaries.
Find a team of healers you can go to for support including a great massage therapist to calm down your nerves and get into your body. Learn simple self-massage techniques you can do daily.
Find an experienced therapist / counsellor either online or in your local area where you feel comfortable, heard and who respects your cultural background, spiritual beliefs and world view. Find someone to give you holistic and practical support during this time.
By reaching out for some support and prioritising your self care you will be better able to care for yourself, prevent burn out and be present for your family’s needs too. You will find your own journey to meaning in your own way at your own pace, and these tough experiences can deepen your resilience and empathy for others in life.
Sometimes when you open up to family issues you can go deeper into your own healing journey. These experiences can lead you to review deeply how you live your life, your personal goals and make changes like slowing down, prioritising what is important and being more present.
Reach out to us for a confidential session for some practical advice from an experienced practitioner.
